Stephanie Lindan was featured for her outstanding contribution to women and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Exeter alumna nominated for outstanding contribution to women and STEM

An Exeter alumna who recently graduated with distinction for her MBA has been featured for her outstanding contribution to women and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

As part of her MBA, Stephanie Lindan participated in a consultancy project which she researched in conjunction with multinational technology company, IBM, focusing on digital disruption in the UK energy market. It was during this placement that Stephanie demonstrated her significant impact to STEM and the team at IBM thought she was a worthy contender for the award. Mike Bernard at IBM remarked on Stephanie’s work: “Stephanie’s project delivered truly exceptional results, bringing an innovative approach to a customer problem that led to entirely new discussions for IBM with senior client Executives.”

As part of her nomination, Stephanie was invited to partake in a panel discussion hosted by Caroline Taylor OBE. The event featured an array of aspiring women working in STEM careers or having made a significant contribution to STEM.  Its purpose was to highlight the need for more women in STEM and aimed to create more positive role models for the next generation.

Stephanie was given three minutes to reveal her inspirational story: covering her journey to Chief Digital Officer of a financial technology company, pursuing a career in STEM, the importance of STEM, and how she is inspiring other women to embark on a STEM career. Talking of the evening, Stephanie said: “It was a real honour to work with IBM on such a prestigious event. The quality of research and work showcased was exceptional. It’s so inspiring to know that IBM takes a proactive approach with actively endorsing diversity in the workplace.”

The event also incorporated the showcasing of a new film "Hidden Figures.” The film features three 1960’s African-American heroines who revolutionised the mathematics and technology industries.

The women referred to as ‘human computers’ used an early mainframe provided by IBM and created computations that enabled John Glenn to become the first American astronaut to orbit the earth. These women were pioneers enabling breakthroughs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics worldwide.

For more information visit the website.

Discover more in a podcast with Stephanie for the Irish Times.

Follow Hidden Figures on Twitter #ukhiddenfigures.

Date: 21 March 2017